About this role
Position Description
Performs highly skilled mechanical and/or analytical duties in the coordination and completion of projects. Work is performed under general guidelines using established procedures and evaluated on results obtained. May supervise skilled and semi-skilled subordinates. Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all employees.
This is a fulltime, temporary position funded through a federal grant, initially for one year with the possibility of annual renewal for up to four years contingent upon continued funding.
About the University
Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University began with a mission to serve the needs of West Texas, but its impact has always reached far beyond. Today, Texas Tech, located in Lubbock (pop. 300,000+), is home to a vibrant community of more than 42,000 students. Texas Tech's 1,800-acre campus showcases Spanish Renaissance architecture and is home to one of the country's largest public art collections. Its 13 colleges include a prestigious School of Law and a distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields.
Built on the values of West Texas — hard work, grit and authenticity — the university graduates students who are deeply engaged in service to their communities and well-positioned to succeed in the world. Texas Tech is committed to achieving research and scholarly accomplishments that compare favorably to the member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU). For more than 100 years, Texas Tech has been a premier destination for those seeking a world-class education and a unique, personalized experience as a member of the Red Raider family.
About the Department and/or College
The Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources includes the departments of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Agricultural Education and Communications, Animal and Food Sciences, Landscape Architecture, Plant and Soil Science, and Veterinary Sciences, along with multiple research centers and institutes. The College houses eight major research centers and institutes: the Center for Agriscience Communications, Davis College Water Center, Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute, Institute for Genomics of Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance, International Center for Agricultural Competitiveness, International Center for Food Industry Excellence, Texas Cooperative Research Unit, and the Thornton Agricultural Finance Institute.
Davis College enrolls more than 2,700 undergraduate students and more than 500 graduate students. The College sustains approximately 110 tenure-track faculty, 40 non-tenure-track faculty, and more than 165 support staff. Faculty across Davis College generated approximately $17.3 million in federal and private funding to support the research, teaching, and outreach and engagement missions.
Davis College is currently engaged in The Pursuit of PRIME campaign, which is dedicated to shaping the future of agriculture, natural resources, and managed landscapes. The College prepares the next generation of leaders to address major challenges and build a brighter future through investments in advanced facilities, innovative research, and hands-on education. Rooted in Texas Tech’s spirit of resilience and excellence, this commitment extends beyond the classroom to strengthen communities and inspire prosperity for generations to come.
The Department of Animal and Food Sciences at Texas Tech University prepares ethical leaders and advances innovation in animal agriculture, food systems, equine, and companion animal science. Guided by our values of accountability, community, excellence, grit, and integrity, we pursue impactful teaching, research, and outreach that improve animal lives, strengthen resilient food systems, and enhance human–animal connections.
The department is home to approximately 30 faculty, many of whom are nationally and internationally recognized leaders in their fields and serve more than 1,450 undergraduate and graduate students. Student growth has crested at historic levels, while research productivity and external engagement continue to expand at an unprecedented pace. Areas of research strength include meat science and muscle biology, food science and safety, animal nutrition, health and welfare, and companion animal studies.
Faculty and students benefit from modern teaching and research facilities as well as specialized units such as the Equestrian Center, Equine Therapeutic Riding Center, Grantham Companion Animal Research Facility, and the New Deal Agricultural Field Laboratory. Together, these resources support a vibrant and expanding community dedicated to discovery, collaboration, and the enduring spirit of West Texas.
Major/Essential Functions
The Senior Technician will support a federally funded research project by providing daily care and behavioral training for animals involved in cognitive and behavioral studies. Responsibilities include animal husbandry, health monitoring, enrichment, and training, as well as data collection, record keeping, and supervision of undergraduate research assistants. The position requires close coordination with the Principal Investigator, Postdoctoral Researchers, and Veterinary staff to ensure high standards of animal welfare and research integrity. This is a fulltime, temporary position funded through a federal grant, initially for one year with the possibility of annual renewal for up to four years contingent upon continued funding.
- Daily observation of animals in the research protocol. Report to unit manager or Veterinarians any concerns about animal health.
- Daily animal husbandry- Feeding and brushing animals. Provide environmental enrichment to animals. Clean water source.
- Train animals to a series of cognitive and behavioral task.
- Data collection and Record keeping.
- Supervise undergraduate students and create research schedules.
- Communicate with PI and Postdoc training outcomes and training progress.
- Ensure project deadlines and deliverables are met in time
- Daily inspection of animal housing and conduct basic repairs if needed
- Able to lift 50lbs, work outdoors under different environmental conditions (hot, cold, and rainy days).
- Maintain inventory of animal feed, farm supplies, and research supplies
- Order and buy supplies.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The attributes required to perform the job that are generally demonstrated through qualifying service, education, or training.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Time management skills.
- Ability to work in a high pace and constantly changing environment.
- Ability to be coachable and motivated to learn or improve animal training skills.
Required Qualifications
High school or equivalent and five years experience. Additional job related education may substitute for required experience on a year for year basis. Must possess the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance from the Department of Defense. This includes having U.S. citizenship and undergoing a background check and fingerprint clearance process by a separate agency.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in animal training or with farm animals.
Safety Information
Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include the following documents in your application:
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter detailing interest and summary of qualifications
- Contact list of at least 3 references
Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Edgar Aviles-Rosa, Search Committee Chair at [email protected].
Pay Statement
Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan.
EEO Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.